June 20 is the Day of the specialist of the mine and Torpedo service of the Russian Navy: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on June 20, the Russian Navy celebrates the Day of the Mine and Torpedo Service Specialist, a holiday for the military responsible for the use, storage and maintenance of underwater naval weapons. In 2025, it falls on a Friday. Izvestia tells about the history of one of the oldest and most effective types of weapons in the navy, and also shares congratulations for the perpetrators of the celebration.

Day of the specialist of the mine and torpedo service of the Russian Navy - the history of the holiday

The Day of the Mine and Torpedo Service Specialist was established in 1996 by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy. June 20 was chosen as the date for it, the day when Russian sailors used minefields for the first time to protect key ports of the Baltic Fleet.

In 1853, the Crimean War began, in which Russia opposed the coalition of Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The fighting affected the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, as well as the Black, Azov, White and Barents Seas. The most important ports of the Baltic Sea, primarily Kronstadt, were also under attack.

At that time, the combined Anglo-French fleet posed a serious threat. The enemy was well armed and had a numerical advantage. A collision on the high seas could have ended badly for the defenders of Kronstadt. Realizing this, the leadership of the Baltic Fleet decided to apply a completely new defensive tactic, based on minefields and coastal artillery batteries.

By the end of 1954, the world's first mine and artillery position appeared in the Gulf of Finland: along the coast there were barriers of naval mines, the space between which was well shot from the shore. On June 20, 1955, the Anglo-French squadron entered the gulf, intending to block the ships of the Baltic Fleet and destroy them. However, the enemy failed to approach Kronstadt — the very first reconnaissance steamships fell into a mine trap. After losing four ships, the enemy fleet stopped attacking and did not attempt to capture the port again until the end of the Crimean War.

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Russian sailors have also become pioneers in the use of torpedo weapons. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, Vice Admiral Stepan Makarov was able to improve the design of naval mines. Thanks to his innovations, ammunition became more efficient and safer, and also decreased in size, which made it possible to equip more boats.

The Turkish fleet suffered serious losses due to the rapid and accurate attacks by Russian mineboats. To reduce the damage, the enemy began to install side barriers in the parking areas of the ships. To bypass them, Makarov proposed using torpedoes, which at that time had never been used in combat and, moreover, were considered imperfect weapons.

On the night of January 26, 1878, two boats, each carrying a torpedo, were launched from the steamer "Grand Duke Konstantin" under the command of Makarov. They came close to the Turkish ships stationed in the Batumi roadstead and destroyed the steamer Intibakh in two shots. The ship sank to the bottom in a matter of minutes, and the courage and ingenuity of the Russian sailors were famous all over the world.

In subsequent years, the relevance of mine-torpedo weapons only grew. It was widely used in all major conflicts of the 20th century: the Russian-Japanese War of 1904-1905, the First World War of 1914-1918, and the Great Patriotic War. These weapons are still relevant in the 21st century. After artillery, mines and torpedoes are considered the oldest and most effective weapons in the navy.

To date, mines and torpedoes are in service with the Coastal Defense Forces of the Russian Navy, responsible for protecting ports and other strategically important facilities on the coast. They are also included in many submarines and ships. Specialists of the mine and torpedo service are engaged in the storage and maintenance of underwater naval weapons. In addition, they participate in testing new types of weapons and neutralizing ammunition left over from the Great Patriotic War and other military conflicts.

Traditions of the Day of the specialist of the Mine and Torpedo Service of the Russian Navy

On their day, the specialists of the mine and torpedo service of the Russian Navy receive congratulations from family, colleagues and management. Celebrations are held behind closed doors at naval bases, and many military personnel celebrate the holiday at their workplace.

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Congratulations on the Day of the specialist of the mine and torpedo service of the Russian Navy

The Mine and Torpedo Service of the Russian Navy is one of the most important military management bodies. Therefore, on June 20, it is worth congratulating the military personnel who protect the interests of our country at sea, ensuring the safety of the coasts and the combat capability of ships. Here's how it can be done:

"Congratulations on the Day of the Mine and Torpedo Service specialist! Thank you for your difficult, dangerous, but much needed work. Let the service be peaceful, and let your family always welcome you at home!"

"Happy Mine and Torpedo Service Specialist's Day! I wish you to always hit the target, easily bypass the minefields of problems and failures, confidently break through any obstacles on the way to your dream and enjoy every day!"

"We sincerely congratulate the specialists of the mine and torpedo service on their professional holiday! We wish you good health, success in your service, family happiness and well-being!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of celebrating the Day of the Military Communications Service of the Russian Armed Forces.